About

WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO

Mission:
•     The Woodward Avenue Action Association (WA3) is a Michigan nonprofit corporation, a 501(c)(3) charity, working to enhance and improve the visual, economic, functional and historic significance of the 27-mile Woodward Avenue corridor through public, private, local and regional partnerships.

Why:    
•     Woodward is an All –America Road and National Scenic Byway. These designations recognize nationally significant roads and foster economic development through tourism and development for the long-term vitality of Woodward Avenue, its affected communities and region.

How:    
•     WA3 is the only organization in the state leveraging Federal National Scenic (America’s) Byway™ (NSB) funds as a mechanism to promote and enhance economic development and tourism in the region.

Who:
•     34-member Board of Directors represented by the mayor and a business representative from each of the 11 member communities and various Advisory Members  including representatives from several key regional & state organizations -  Downtown Detroit Partnership, University Cultural Association, New Center Council, MDOT, SMART, Wayne and Oakland counties.

Successes:
•     Since 2000, the WA3 has helped leverage close to $5 million in grants, public and private memberships and community partnerships to benefit Woodward Avenue planning, physical improvements and economic development activities.  
•     2009 - The WA3 obtained the All-American Road designation for Woodward from the Federal Highway Administration joining the road to an elite collection of 37 other byways promoted internationally as sites integral to the American history.
•     1999 – Designated Woodward a Michigan Heritage Route.
•     2002 – Designated Woodward a National Scenic Byway, joining the exclusive collection of 125 American roads, including Route 66, Pacific Coast Highway, the Santa Fe Trail and others.

Programs and Priorities for 2010-20111:
Beautification & Physical Improvements:
•     Fund physical streetscape and public space improvements
•     Complete two façade projects in Detroit in the 6-8 Mile Woodward Business District
•     Continue progress on the South Oakland Non-Motorized Plan

Business & Corridor Promotion:
•     Development of Woodward audio tours
•     launch Woodward 3D Virtual Map

Tourism & Transportation:
•     Erect of two “Woodward Tributes” in Detroit and Pontiac.
•     Install signs identifying Woodward as a National Scenic Byway and All American Road
Economic Revitalization & Historic Preservation:
•     Open the Ford Highland Park Plan to tours


Funding & Membership Support:
•     Private: Tax-deductible annual memberships range from $50 to $500.  The WA3 depends on membership from Woodward businesses, individuals, brokers, property managers, developers, corporations, residents, property owners. The WA3 also obtains corporate contributions and foundation grants.
•     Public: Annual dues paid by member communities: Detroit, Highland Park, Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Huntington Woods, Royal Oak, Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Pontiac and Wayne and Oakland counties, based on portion of Woodward frontage
•     Grants: Federal Highway Administration National Scenic Byway funding, private foundation grants, state planning and research grants and corporate foundation grants

Contact Information:
•     Heather Carmona, Executive Director: 30947 Woodward Avenue, Suite 200, Royal Oak, MI 48073; e-mail heather@woodwardavenue.org  Ph 248-288-2004  Fax 248-288-2067
•     Nicole Klepadlo, Economic Development Program Manager, e-mail: nklepadlo@woodwardavenue.org
•     Nicole Brown, Outreach & Promotions Coordinator, email: Nicole@woodwardavenue.org
•     Deborah Schutt, Woodward Byway Coordinator: Ph 248-332-0326; e-mail: Debbie@woodwardavenue.org